2pgs, Grocery stores typically buy large volumes of fresh and processed foods as well as other household items, reselling their products to individual consumers. Grocery stores are appealing because they sell everything customers need at one convenient place. Depending on the size of the town, these stores may have more than one location. Very large grocery chains operate stores across broad regions of the country. Many grocery stores are now interested in selling products grown by local farmers.
2pgs, Institutional markets are entities such as cafeterias in state and local government buildings, schools, universities, prisons, hospitals, or similar organizations. These institutions are becoming more interested in buying local food, which provides a new marketing opportunity for a medium to large-scale farm
2pgs, A produce broker is a salesperson who has access to any seller in the food chain, including packing houses, processors, agribusinesses, and mid- to large-scale farms. Typically they work with large-scale farms. A broker will help arrange the logistics of getting your product from your farm to their buyer, often taking commissions based on a percentage of the sale. Their success depends on their reputation and they spend years building relationships.
2pgs, Produce distributors are businesses that aggregate product and resell it in small or large quantities to their customers. Distributors may be an individual with a van or a company with a fleet of eighteen-wheelers. A distributor’s primary relationship is purchasing directly from farmers, although distributors can also buy from brokers or packing houses.
2pgs, Wholesale buyers are typically located in permanent stalls at a terminal market. Terminal markets are central sites, often in a metropolitan area, that serve as an assembly and trading place for agricultural commodities. Wholesale buyers will purchase products from farmers, brokers, or packing houses in large quantities, and resell it.
